Cuts to social care funding has left 1.2 million old folk poorly looked after

Funding has slumped 5.3 per cent in six years despite rising demand, the public spending watchdog reveals.

And ministers are ignoring a staff crisis that has left 6.6 per cent of jobs vacant — over twice the 2.5 per cent in other sectors.

Meanwhile, nine per cent of social care nursing posts were empty last year, up from 4.1 per cent four years earlier.

National Audit Office chief Amyas Morse said: “Social care can’t continue as a Cinderella service. Without a valued and rewarded workforce, social care can’t fulfil its role of supporting the elderly and vulnerable.